Rogne speaker at Veterans, Families Appreciation Summit

Decorah -Tri-state Thunder Vets, a Thunder Rode service of Veterans assisting Veterans, in conjunction with Disabled American Veterans Chapter 8, Marion E. Jerome Foundation and SODEXO, are hosting a Veterans and Families Appreciation Summit on Saturday, May 20, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Aaron and Michelle Kruse’s farm, 1957 Meadowlark Road, Decorah. 

The goal of the Summit is to provide education regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other local Veterans’ issues and concerns.

Featured speakers are:  Marshall Rogne, Executive Director of Howard County Veterans Affairs, Robert Peterson, National Service Officer/Supervisor for Disabled American Veterans from Des Moines, Theresa Fullhart, Social Worker from the Veterans Affairs Outreach Clinic in Decorah, which is an extension of services from Iowa City VA Healthcare System.

Rogne is presenting “County Level Veterans Affairs Updates and Services.”  He will explain what services are offered at the county level and provide updates on any new information. 

Robert Peterson is presenting services that the DAV offers. This includes volunteer services and how local DAV chapters provide assistance.

During lunch, Theresa Fullhart will facilitate roundtable discussion of family issues involving Veterans and their families. This is an open format to discuss any issues and concerns people may have.

In the afternoon, Nicholle Phillips and Michelle McLain-Kruse, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Registered Instructors, will conduct some Equine Assisted Therapy demonstrations. Nicholle and Michelle have been assisting individuals in the Thunder Rode program for 12 years.

Other attractions of the day are FREE lunch, chair massages and miniature horses to enjoy. For more information, please contact Michelle at 563-419-8318.